YEMEN. Amadeus, the global leader in technology and distribution solutions for the travel and tourism industry, has further expanded its reach in the Middle East with the launch of its local operations in Yemen.

Amadeus Yemen is a joint partnership with Yemen Airways, the national carrier which accounts for 55% of reservations made by travel agencies in Yemen. The new company which commenced operations in the beginning of this year reinforces Amadeus’ reach and market strength as the preferred technology partner to travel agents and airlines in Yemen.

Overseeing the new office is Abdulfatah Altwaity who was recently appointed as General Manager of Amadeus Yemen.

Abdulfatah Altwaity, General Manager of Amadeus Yemen said: “Amadeus Yemen will be investing heavily in the market in the coming years with the objective of enhancing the services that travel agents receive today by competing GDS. We have a sound organisation covering all the service areas that will serve Amadeus as a platform to deliver best-in class on site support to travel agents. The technology backbone of Amadeus is by far the best in the industry and hence agencies opting for Amadeus would have a better advantage through technology to become more competitive, efficient and productive in the market.”

Having the national carrier as a partner will benefit the travel agencies by allowing them to access preferred airline content and latest functionalities available. Commenting on Amadeus’ partnership with the national carrier, Abdulfatah said, “Yemen Airways accounts for 55% of reservations made by travel agencies in Yemen. We have a sound business plan with the best of both sides: airline partnership and technology backbone.”

Commenting on Amadeus’ regional expansion and growth strategy, Fernando Cuesta, Executive Director, Amadeus MEA, said: “Amadeus has been growing in the region for the last ten years and our plans are to extend our support to customers in 100% of these markets very soon. In the Middle East we are present in more than 4,700 travel agent locations. This allows travel agents to leverage and benefit from our extensive, cost-effective and customised travel content. We consider the launch of Amadeus Yemen a real milestone in Amadeus’ expansion plan to further support the region’s travel agent community.”

MIDDLE EAST BUSINESS COMMENT & ANALYSIS

INTERNATIONAL. Unexpected developments can catch the herd wrong-footed and spark major movements when the masses scatter at the same time. When that occurs, those who resisted the herd may find themselves rewarded. We believe that we are approaching such a point.

INTERNATIONAL. This isn't about Netanyahu and Obama, and both know it. It is about the reconfiguration of a region the US cannot subdue and cannot leave. It is the essence of great power strategy: creating a balance of power in which the balancers are trapped into playing a role they don't want.

INTERNATIONAL. This isn't about Netanyahu and Obama, and both know it. It is about the reconfiguration of a region the US cannot subdue and cannot leave. It is the essence of great power strategy: creating a balance of power in which the balancers are trapped into playing a role they don't want.